Aylesbury Town Matters March 2023

Easter Playscheme

3-14 April 2023 excluding bank holidays

We’ll be celebrating Easter during our first week. We have a great outdoor space for the children to enjoy including our popular pedal go-karting track! There’s a magical Wizard Week to look forward to in our second week. Have fun creating Merlin himself, spooky hanging bats and magical wands to cast our own spells!

HOURS AND PRICES (PER CHILD, PER DAY)

Full Day 8am-6:30pm - £31

Half Day 8am-3:30pm - £23

AM session 8am-12:30pm - £16.50 PM session 12:30pm-5pm - £16.50

Playscheme is for all children from the age of 4 up to their 13th birthday.

BOOKINGS

We accept advance and last-minute bookings for the After School Club and Holiday Playschemes through our online booking system. To register and book sessions for your child please visit jppc.magicbooking.co.uk

All bookings must be accompanied by payment. We accept card, cash payments, childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare.

WHY NOT VISIT US BEFORE BOOKING?

If you and your child would like to see the fantastic facilities and meet our team before booking, please contact us to arrange a suitable date and time.

Welcome to our latest edition of Aylesbury Town Matters. We have a bumper issue for you as we count down to our first event of 2023.

Inside you’ll find a whole page dedicated to our events for the year, why not cut it out and stick it to the fridge? Some highlights include our Coronation Entertainers Roadshow, Soapbox Derby – applications for both will open in March so please do follow our social media channels to get those applications in – and the ever-popular Aylesbury on Sea on Sunday 2 July

There’s also information about how to enter this year’s Aylesbury in Bloom Garden Competition. Last year was a great success and we’re hoping that this year we have even more schools, residents and businesses entering.

In November we hosted our new Christmas event, Christmas on the Cobbles, and organised the town’s Christmas light displays for the first time. We were blown away by the response from both residents and businesses in the town. Thank you very much for all the positive feedback.

Also celebrating success is nine-year-old Casey, a kickboxer who received a sports grant from Aylesbury Town Council to enable him to compete in the CIMAC Superleague. Across the year he competed in the five competitions within the league to gain points, eventually winning the overall category at the final competition of the year in Nottingham to become CIMAC Grand Champion for 2022. We look forward to following his career for years to come. Details of how to apply for a sports grant are inside (p17).

We have an article about the starting of the feasibility study for the Community Sports Hub we’re aiming to provide for the town which is an exciting step forward for this project. We should be able to share results of the study and some proposed designs in our next issue.

The Great British Spring Clean is taking place in March and April and we are offering litter picking kits to anyone who’d like to pledge to litter pick during Keep Britain Tidy’s national litter picking campaign.

You’ll also find inside (p10) our colourful infographic of our 2023-24 budget which shows how we spend the precept which works out at £2 per household per week.

Best wishes to you all.

Cllr Richard Lloyd Leader of Aylesbury Town Council

CONTACT DETAILS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

Keep up

all

social media channels.

Aylesbury Town Council, Town Hall, 5 Church Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 2QP

Tel: 01296 425678 Fax: 01296 426134 info@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

Aylesbury

Photos throughout the magazine courtesy of Maurice Cousins, Derek Pelling and Steve Cook from Aylesbury & District News, Picture Delight, ImageZ Camera Club, Paul Smith, Phil Richards and Laura McG Photography

Artwork by Bluepepper Designs, Aylesbury. bpdesigns.co.uk Printed by Pelican Print, Aylesbury. pelicanprint.co.uk

is twinned with Bourg-en-Bresse

AYLESBURY TOWN COUNCIL EVENTS GUIDE 2023

APRIL

ST GEORGE’S DAY ROYAL HISTORICAL FAYRE AND PARADE

Sunday 23 April, 11am-4pm, Discover Bucks Museum

We’re celebrating kings and queens this year! A parade in Market Square will be led by St George himself from 3pm.

MAY

CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III ENTERTAINERS ROADSHOW

Sat 6 and Sun 7 May, 12-7pm, Parish of Aylesbury

Are you thinking of holding a Coronation street party? Apply for a fantastic entertainer to visit your party. Email info@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk for more details.

JUNE

SOAPBOX DERBY

Sunday 18 June, 11am-4pm, Whitehill Park

A Father’s Day treat for the whole family. Build your own gravity-powered kart ahead of race day and try and complete the track as quick as you can. Or simply come and enjoy the thrills and spills on the day.

JULY

AYLESBURY ON SEA

Sunday 2 July, 11am-4pm, Vale Park

All the fun of the seaside with a splash of something new in Aylesbury’s largest park. Punch and Judy, land train, face painting, bingo, and 60 tonnes of sand!

AUGUST

PARKLIFE WEEKEND

Saturday 26 August and Sunday 27 August, Vale Park

Join us for a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend at the following events:

LIVE IN THE PARK

Saturday 26 August, 12-9:30pm, Vale Park

9.5 hours of continuous live music from local bands and artists. Not only that, you’ll also find fun fair rides, market stalls, our children’s entertainment tent, Battle of the Bands competition and popular Community Involvement Area.

PROMS IN THE PARK

Sunday 27 August, 7:15-9:30pm, Vale Park

An open-air concert with the brilliant Aylesbury Concert Band. Bring friends, family and a picnic along for an evening of fantastic music. Fireworks conclude Parklife Weekend from approx. 9:30pm.

Tear this page out and stick it on your fridge! All our events are free unless stated otherwise.

SEPTEMBER

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Saturday 9 September and Sunday 10 September, 9am-4pm, Various venues across town Events and activities celebrating Aylesbury’s history and culture. Get in touch with us this summer for an event guide and map.

OCTOBER

WALKING PLAY

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 October, 4pm and 6pm, Aylesbury old town and Market Square

What antics will the Prof get into this year, now that her trusty sidekick is locked in the clock tower? Tickets cost £5 adults / £2.50 concessions and must be booked in advance via Queens Park Arts Centre’s website.

NOVEMBER

TOWN MAYOR’S CIVIC REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

Thursday 9 November, 7:15pm, St Mary’s Church

Join the Town Mayor, Town Councillors, dignitaries and guests at this year's Remembrance Service with participation from Aylesbury Concert Band and Aylesbury Consort of Voices.

CHRISTMAS ON THE COBBLES

Sunday 26 November, 12-6pm, Town Centre

Packed with seasonal entertainment and joy for the whole family. With games and entertainment in Friars Square, fun fair rides in Kingsbury and activities in Market Square. An illuminated parade will follow with an epic light switch on to end the day.

DECEMBER

TOWN MAYOR’S CAROL SERVICE

Sunday 3 December, 5:30-7pm, St Mary’s Church

Join the Town Mayor for this festive carol service with Aylesbury Consort of Voices and Aylesbury Concert Band.

CAROLFEST

Sunday 10 December, 6-7pm, St Mary’s Church

Sing your favourite Christmas carols, accompanied by a brass band and local choir. Be sure to wear your festive finery!

For up-to-date event information, please visit aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk, Aylesbury Town Council social media pages or call 01269 425678

@aylesburytc @aylesburytc

@aylesburytowncouncil

We look forward to seeing you!

ST GEORGE’S DAY ROYAL HISTORICAL FAYRE AND PARADE

Hear ye, hear ye! Aylesbury Town will be celebrating England’s patron saint on Sunday 23 April at our St George’s Day Royal Historical Fayre and Parade. Celebrations take place at Discover Bucks Museum from 11am. There’s a chance to meet infamous kings and queens of Britain’s past, including Elizabeth I and Charles II. St George and his steed will lead a majestic parade in Market Square from 3pm and will be joined by local dignitaries and groups.

KING CHARLES III CORONATION ENTERTAINERS ROADSHOW

We are offering residents within the Parish of Aylesbury the chance to apply for a marvellous entertainer to join local street parties to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Whether you are hosting a party on Saturday 6 May or Sunday 7 May we would love to add some extra fun and laughter to your event. If you would like to apply, get in touch with us before Monday 10 April by calling 01296 425678 or by emailing info@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

SOAPBOX DERBY

Our much-anticipated Father’s Day race is back in Whitehill Park on Sunday 18 June. We can’t wait to see the homemade karts making their way down the hill and wowing the park full of spectators! Could you take on the Soapbox Derby by making your own soapbox? Each year we see families, friends and colleagues coming together and building fantastic karts. Don’t dilly dally! If you’d like to enter, make sure you visit bit.ly/SoapboxDerby23 from Wednesday 1 March to enter your team - it’s free!

It really was the most wonderful time of the year…

We know Christmas is a distant memory, but we can’t let an issue of Aylesbury Town Matters pass us by without saying THANK YOU to everyone who made our first EVER Christmas on the Cobbles so special. Seeing everyone embrace our new event, immersing themselves in our illuminated parade and dancing in Market Square was simply incredible. We hope you had as much fun as we did and enjoyed seeing our new Christmas lights around town.

500 carollers carolled at Carolfest! Thanks to your generosity we raised £700.79 for the Town Mayor’s two chosen charities, Aylesbury Foodbank and Emmett’s Genies, and for the Matrix Explorer Scout’s World Jamboree trip to South Korea this summer.

STAR SUPPORTERS

We would like to shine a bright thankful light on two exceptionally dedicated and professional volunteers. Lauren joined the Aylesbury Town Council crew over 10 years ago when she was still at school. Since then, Lauren has attended almost all of our annual events, even now that she has a successful career at the Home Office. Alistair, a very successful corporate events manager, joined the team in 2018, so he could give back to his community and expand his skills. Both of these amazing people bring so much joy and professionalism to our events – there are times that we literally couldn’t do it without them. Lauren and Alistair, we thank you for all that you give to your community.

ENVIRONMENT

AYLESBURY IN BLOOM 2023

It’s that time of year again where we reach out to the residents of Aylesbury and search for gardeners of all abilities to enter our Aylesbury in Bloom Garden Competition. We have categories for residents, businesses, schools and organisations - so there is something for everyone.

Does your garden attract wildlife? Has it got sustainable qualities? Maybe you have a colourful vision for 2023 and think you could win Gold in the Best Back Garden category? Or you might be a gardener that takes pride in your pots, then the Best Container Garden category would be for you! There’s a category for young gardeners aged 4-16 years too.

You can see more information about the competition, including all categories and judging criteria, on our website bit.ly/AylesburyBloom23. Apply using the form (below) or via our online form https://bit.ly/BloomEntry23 Applications close on Friday 19 May. Happy gardening!

For residents, schools and organisations in the Parish of Aylesbury Town. E Entries close 19 May 2023, judging will take place during June, July and August 2023. Please return the completed form to A Aylesbury in Bloom, Aylesbury Town Council, Town Hall, 5 Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP or email completed forms to i info@aylesburytowncouncil gov uk

Contact Name:

School/Organisation Name:

Phone/Mobile:

Email:

Address incl postcode:

I am a: Resident  School  Organisation/Business 

P Please tick the categories you wish to enter (multiple categories can be chosen )

Residents Schools

Front Garden

Back Garden

Edible Garden

Wildlife/Nature Garden

Edible Garden

Wildlife/Nature Garden

Recreational / Learning Garden

Container Garden

Container Garden Organisations

Young Gardener (4-16 yrs.)

Communal Garden

Edible Communal Garden

Preferred month for your garden to be judged? June  July  August  Schools are judged in June only. For terms and conditions and criteria for each category, please visit aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the office on 01296 425678.

Aylesbury Town Council is the “controller” of the personal data you provide to us, our address is Town Hall, 5 Church Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 2QP, telephone 01296 425 678. The Data Protection Officer is Judith Priest, the contact details are the same as above.

We need your name, phone number, email and address to administrate the competition, notify you of the judging dates and times, to invite you to the awards presentation and to participate in future Aylesbury in Bloom Garden competitions. You may withdraw this consent at any time by contacting us on the details above. The completed application form will be held on record until October 2023 and thereafter securely destroyed

Your personal data will be processed by Aylesbury Town Council employees only for the purposes above. We will not share your personal data with a third party unless we are legally obliged to do so. You have the right to access your personal data held by us, the right to rectification of inaccurate personal data, the right to request erasure of your personal data, the right to request restriction of processing, the right to receive or have your personal data sent to another controller in a portable form at, and the right to object to us processing your personal data.

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office by calling 0303 123 1113 or via their webs ite ico.org.uk

Please tick this box if you consent to us using your phone number, address and email address in this manner

AYLESBURY GARDENING SOCIETY

Spring is on the way now with planning and getting all your equipment ready for the new growing season. We’ve got all your gardening requirements at the Thurston Store (Old Stoke Road allotments). We are open on Sundays from 9am-12 noon and during April and May on Thursdays from 6:30-8pm. Members are always on hand to assist with any questions you may have.

Last year we enjoyed a more usual year after the previous lockdown years, with a wonderful sunny visit to Wisley in September. We held our Annual Show at the Aylesbury Grammar School, also in September, with lots of horticultural and many domestic entries. Thanks to all members who organised these events and made them possible. We have recently held our AGM, after which we had an interesting talk about growing sweet peas, including a practical workshop.

During 2023 we will be holding our 75th Annual Show. We are looking for any photos or memories of any previous shows to be included in a special commemorative show schedule. If you have something we could include, feel free to bring them to the shop on any Sunday or contact us via our website aylesburygardeningsociety.co.uk If you’re new to gardening, why not come down and see us for a chat, look around or join our Society? Membership is just £2 per year. New members are always welcome.

BEAN THERE, DONE THAT...

GRASS CUTTING SCHEDULE

During the grass growing season, which falls between March and November, we cut and maintain grass verges in towns and other urban areas within 30mph speed limits, for safety and visibility reasons.

Depending on the weather, our Outdoor Maintenance Team will start grass cutting in March and will continue through to autumn.

Grass cutting can be repeated up to nine times this year. The team make their way through wards within the Parish of Aylesbury - starting at Central then Quarrendon and then they work anti-clockwise through remaining wards. They also go out to several other Parishes - Dinton with Ford and Upton, Weston Turville, Aston Clinton, Stoke Mandeville and Bierton.

The speed of growth is influenced by varying weather conditions and this may result in longer grass between cuts. We kindly ask residents to please avoid parking on grass verges. Our Outdoor Maintenance Team do what they can to keep grass tidy but can’t always get to all verges. We are unable to cut close to parked cars, move bins or remove any other obstructions on the verges.

Parking on grass verges can cause costly damage to machinery and the verge itself as well as causing delays to the town’s grass cutting schedule. Thank you for your understanding.

Sorry, what did you say? Just let me put this hoe down and I'll be with you. Yes, you're right. They're broad beans, the first real food crop of the gardening year. I hope to start cropping in May. Not the first crop of course, I've had rocket, kale and spinach all through the winter, good for a few more weeks, but you can't get fat on those. If you haven't stored enough potatoes (or they sprout and go all wrinkly), April could be a hungry month for those who rely on growing their own food.

So what else have I got on the plot? My first-early potatoes are just showing through – a frost will kill off the leaves, so I'll need to keep an eye on the weather forecast until mid-May. I don't live far away, so it's easy to cover them over with fleece if the worst threatens. Anyway, the plants will recover if these early leaves get damaged. I should be able to crop in June.

You haven't got an allotment here, have you? Who's your host? Ah, yes, she took over her plot last autumn. She's been out a lot this year, started nice and early. Most beginners leave it until the weather warms up. Too late in my view. By the time the plot is clear of weeds, you've lost a lot of good growing time. It’s not so bad out here in the cold provided you have the right clothes on!

Are you looking for an allotment? You don't think you have the time! It may not need as much as you think. I come all year round, perhaps three afternoons a week at about two hours per afternoon. My plot is double size, so that makes an average of half an hour per day for a normal plot, like your friend has – but it has to be all year round, a steady effort of preparing, sowing, weeding, watering and cropping.

I can see you're tempted! Think of all the food you can grow. All the health benefits of working in the open air, unwinding away from screens, being surrounded by green. And the obvious educational benefits for the younger members of your family. You're going to think about it? Good. As long as you don't think of an allotment as a fashion accessory, like a dog or a mobile phone. You've got to think of it as a serious source of delicious, healthy food which requires a steady input of your time. Anyway, lovely to have met you. I need to get back to the hoeing – the bindweed is just waking up from its winter sleep. A grower's year never ends...

Michael Brimicombe

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

We have a number of roundabouts in town with sponsorship opportunities. To find out availability and pricing, email info@aylesburytowcouncil.gov.uk or call 01296 425678

THE GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN 2023

Each year, Keep Britain Tidy run the annual Great British Spring Clean, a week where people are encouraged to care for their communities by picking up litter. This year, The Great British Spring Clean will be held between 17 March to 2 April. It’s easy to get involved, great fun and a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and meet others in your community while doing something great for the environment!

You can get involved by joining one of the organised litter picks taking place locally or you can arrange your own litter pick as a group or by yourself. Maybe pop out with a group of work colleagues one lunch time or gather members of your club or organisation for a tidy up at the weekend? Every piece of litter removed will help to improve the environment in some way.

Aylesbury Town Council has Litter Pick Kits available for hire all year round. For a small refundable deposit, we can provide litter pickers, bin bags, bag hoops and hi vis vests to residents or groups within the Parish of Aylesbury. For more information, contact our Community Liaison Officer on 01296 425678 or email emma.elbadaoui@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

PLANTING TREES TO REMEMBER HER MAJESTY

In January, cherry, birch and alder trees were planted at Tring Road Cemetery as part of the Queen's Green Canopy project. The trees were kindly donated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The nationwide initiative was introduced early last year to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee. Now the Queen’s Green Canopy project provides communities the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

CEMETERY SUMMER OPENING HOURS

From Sunday 26 March, Tring Road Cemetery will be open from 8am-8pm during the spring and summer seasons.

SEED LIBRARIES

Seed libraries have been installed at all seven of our allotment sites. These are to encourage allotment holders to share any seeds they might have a surplus of. The more seeds saved and used, the more sustainable our seed libraries will be.

Allotment holders have been asked to return some seed at the end of the seasons for the community to grow more the following year.

RECYCLING COFFEE GROUNDS SCHEME CONTINUES

As we approach the spring, thoughts will turn to reviving our gardens after the winter, as we plan what to do with our gardens during the spring and summer

Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen. They contain nutrients like potassium and phosphorous. This means that adding coffee grounds to your garden can work well as a fertiliserit’s a great way to prepare your soil for planting.

Aylesbury Town Council works with local coffee shops in the town centre who recycle their used coffee grounds by providing them with pouches to use to give the grounds away.

You can get a pouch of coffee grounds for free from:

• The Works • Esquires • Temple Coffee

• The Coffee Tree

• Coffee Corner • Thailicious

• Costa Coffee Odeon • Rococo Lounge • Wimpy

• Starbucks

• Malebon • Iannelli’s • Stay & Play

• The Petri Dish

Remember the supply is only as good as the coffee being sold in any establishment.

The Outdoor Maintenance Team have given the town’s road signage a bit of a spring clean They’ve also cut back overgrown plants and bushes to make sure they are clearly visible.

NEW DUCK HOUSE FOR WALTON POND

A group of young people supported by Talkback UK, an organisation that supports Autistic young people, have been busy building a fantastic new duck house for Walton Pond. What a brilliant project, we are so grateful for their help.

Coffee grounds can protect your plants from pests like slugs and snails. The grounds are abrasive, meaning these pests won’t like crawling over them to get to your plants.

The plants that like coffee grounds include roses, blueberries, azaleas, carrots, radishes, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, cabbage, lilies, and hollies. These are all acid-loving plants that grow best in acidic soil. Avoid using coffee grounds on plants like tomatoes and clovers.

Please be aware that coffee beans, grounds and brewed coffee contains caffeine which is a toxic chemical to cats and dogs. Ingestion can be life threatening.

AYLESBURY TOWN COUNCIL

#TUESDAYTUNES

With some new members, we warmly welcomed in the new year and the return of Tuesday Tunes. We’re looking forward to seeing more of you this year to connect and share some musical memories. We meet in Aylesbury Library on the first Tuesday of each month from 10am-11:30am. The sessions are hosted by the Town Council’s Dementia Friends Ambassador as part of the Town Council’s Dementia Friendly Aylesbury project. If you would like to know more about the project, get in touch with Benedicta at benedicta.lasoye@ aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY AYLESBURY STEERING GROUP MEETING

A welcome back to our steering group who are passionate about working closer with businesses and organisations to help our community age well. Thanks to Graham White from Buckinghamshire Council for his presentation on Levelling Up projects across the county. The aim of the Town Council’s Dementia Friendly Aylesbury project is to encourage conversation about dementia among residents, businesses and community groups and to support those living with dementia and their carers. To find out more about the project visit bit.ly/DFAylesbury

AYLESBURY TOWN COUNCIL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BE THE BUSINESS

We were delighted to invite local businesses along to the Town Hall to attend a presentation by Be the Business

Be the Business is an independent, backed by government, not-for-profit organisation, with a single goal: to help business owners and leaders improve the performance of their business. One of the most effective ways of developing leadership and management skills and improving business performance is through business mentoring.

It offers a mentoring programme that matches experienced executives from some of the UK’s leading firms with small business leaders that want to develop their skills and build their business.

It was great to see local businesses seizing the opportunity to further their businesses. Here is some of the feedback from those who attended the initial presentation:

“It is great to be accountable to someone else, it makes you shift up a gear.”

“Great that there is support out there to help your business to be the best it can be.”

“How can you not afford to make time for this.”

“There are a lot of blaggers out there on offers of support and this one really feels legit.”

“I want to work smarter not harder.”

“How fantastic to have valuable input from those with such experience to help point you in the right direction.”

Any businesses in Aylesbury wanting to know more about this then please contact diane.harrison@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

All meetings commence at 7pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, 5 Church Street, HP20 2QP. Please visit aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk or the main noticeboard at the Town Hall for all agendas and all dates for 2023-24.

MARCH 2023

Monday 13 - Finance

Wednesday 15 - Direct Services

Monday 27 - Planning and Licensing

Wednesday 29 - Grants

APRIL 2023

Tuesday 4 - Communities

Tuesday 11 - Planning and Licensing

Wednesday 12 - Policy

Thursday 13 - Town Council

Monday 24 - Planning and Licensing

MAY 2023

Monday 8 - Planning and Licensing

Thursday 11 - Annual Town Meeting*

Thursday 11 - Annual Council Meeting

Monday 22 - Planning and Licensing

*at 6:30pm

Please check with the Town Hall to make sure that the scheduled meeting has not been changed or cancelled

WE INVITE YOUR COMMENTS...

If you have thoughts about the town we’d like you to let us know. How do you feel about the town in general? We’d like to know. You can send an email marked ‘ATM Letters’ to info@aylesburytowncouncil.co.uk or write to us at: Aylesbury Town Council, Town Hall, 5 Church Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2QP. Please give us your contact details so that we can reply to you.

Are you involved in a local community group or charity in Aylesbury? Would you like to promote your work and events?

This magazine is delivered to every household in the Parish of Aylesbury. For more information call Rachel on 01296 425678 or email rachel.noon@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

There is no charge for community groups and charities.

AYLESBURY LIONS CLUB

Thank you to Aylesbury Town Council for funding the chestnuts for Christmas on the Cobbles and refreshments for the Mayor’s Carol Service in the lead up to Christmas 2022

Aylesbury Lions were delighted to once again be roasting chestnuts under the Christmas tree for the public to sample for free. In fact, the chestnuts were so popular the stall ran out of this tasty treat long before the amazing light switch-on and firework display set the sky alight!

It was also wonderful to be able to be part of the packedto-capacity Mayor’s Carol Service in St Mary’s Church. The Lions served the mulled wine and warmed mince pies at what was undoubtedly a very heart-warming start to the celebrations of the festive season.

The Aylesbury Lions have lots of events planned for the coming year supporting local events with practical support in the form of volunteers, as well as other fundraising activities. If you would like to be part of some of these activities, please get in touch via our website aylesburylions.org.uk or email contact@aylesburylions. org.uk or call 0345 8337863

HS2 IN AYLESBURY

THE ROTARY CLUB OF AYLESBURY HUNDREDS

Santa and his charity helpers, together with contributions from the customers of Tesco and Sainsburys, amassed a wonderful total of £6,029 for local and Rotary charities.

Kindly sponsored by Sportif Citroen of Aylesbury who supplied the tow vehicle, the float toured the streets of Aylesbury with Christmas music and Santa waving from his chimney to see the many children excitedly waiting to greet him. Two members of the Young Farmers Club, Terry and Dave, were very willing voluntary drivers and they did a smooth and efficient job.

President Charles Chaney and the members of Aylesbury Hundreds Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who contributed and thank them for the very generous donations received.

President Charles Chaney said: “In these trying times, it is so pleasing to see such public generosity. We are indeed very grateful.”

A number of local charities will benefit this year, including the Club’s Charity of the year; Dementia UK.

In 2022 we achieved some major milestones in Aylesbury. One focus was the start of the enabling works to support the main construction of the new A418 realignment. 2023 marks the start of the main construction of the A418 works and will include creating a new bridge and earthworks which form a cutting that the highspeed trains will run through. The road itself is being created within our works area and then merged into the existing A418. Whilst we undertake these works over the coming months there will be some traffic management along the Bicester Road. It is expected to be open to all road users in winter 2023/24.

EKFB has a Social Value programme which we are planning to expand in 2023. One of our recent projects was for Booker Park School in Aylesbury. Working with the teachers, we successfully created an outdoor learning area, with the aim of improving the concentration and stimulation of the pupils.

Giving back to the community is important to HS2; our volunteering programme makes our team’s skills and experience available to support local projects, and HS2 also provides funding opportunities for affected communities. If you know of a community project looking for support, then please get in touch, you can find out more information regarding funding on the HS2 website: hs2funds.org.uk

LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET

If you haven’t already, why don’t you become one of the many visitors that come to shop at Aylesbury market every week? Join us in Market Square on a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday where you will find a diverse range of products: from fish and flowers to fashion and fabrics. Look out for specialty markets on a Sunday too through the year.

In May, we are pleased to support the national Love Your Local Market fortnight. The campaign takes place between Friday 12 May and Saturday 27 May and aims to highlight the role that markets play in our towns and communities. As well as being a celebration of markets, the campaign, which is led by National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA), also looks to encourage local businesses to try market trading.

You can stay informed on all the latest developments about Aylesbury market and the Love Your Local Market initiative through visitaylesbury.co.uk and by following our ‘Aylesbury Markets’ page on Facebook. If you would like to take a stall on one of our regular Aylesbury market days please email econdev@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

CHARITY AWARDS £1M IN CRISIS GRANTS TO LOCAL PEOPLE

Local charity Heart of Bucks has responded to need in the county by awarding over £1m in crisis grants. The funding has provided financial assistance to those who have lost their jobs, are unable to pay bills or struggling to make ends meet, as well as locally placed refugees fleeing conflict. The £1m milestone expands a two-year period and is made up of over 1,300 grants.

Henry Allmand, CEO at Heart of Bucks said: “The last few years have had a devastating impact on our community and we want to do everything we can to help those who are struggling. We are fortunate to have support from generous local people, as well as other charitable foundations and Buckinghamshire Council, to provide a vital lifeline to those who need it most.”

A young care leaver in full-time education was awarded a crisis grant when his Universal Credit stopped after he began working during the summer. He then struggled to afford basic living costs when returning to college, due to the six week wait for Universal Credit to be re-established. A grant of £900 was awarded to cover two months of living costs. After receiving the funding he said: “It helped me a lot – I didn’t know how I was going to manage and you came into my life and sorted this out for me. My anxiety went down and I am able to concentrate on my college work, thank you.” For more information on Heart of Bucks, visit heartofbucks.org

GET OUT AND ABOUT IN AYLESBURY

From arts and culture, history and heritage, food and drink, shopping and the usual family fun activities, there’s always something going on in Aylesbury for residents and visitors alike. The Visit Aylesbury website is a great source for the latest news and events, both in the town and the surrounding area.

If music, comedy and drama are your thing, the Waterside Theatre continues to offer its usual mix of entertainment, live performances, and new and classic films, including dementia friendly screenings. Elsewhere, lots more can be found on Visit Aylesbury about the Discover Bucks Museum, The Petri Dish, Queens Park Arts Centre and Odeon Luxe – all of which offer a diverse range of activities, from workshops, to comedy, live performances, exhibitions and the latest films.

Aylesbury has a great range of places to shop, including its weekly markets. If you want to catch-up with family and friends, you are spoilt for choice too when it comes to places to eat and drink. And if you want to get out and about this spring, you can also find features on walking trails and other visitor attractions around Aylesbury. So why not check out what’s coming up by visiting visitaylesbury.co.uk. If you are running an event in Aylesbury and would like to list it on Visit Aylesbury, complete the form on the ‘Submit your event’ button on the What’s On page.

CANCER INFORMATION AND WELLBEING SERVICE

Anyone affected by cancer is welcome to use the Cancer Information and Wellbeing Service. We are based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital (SMH) and we are here to ensure that people affected by cancer have access to good quality, comprehensive and appropriate information and support.

Our team is staffed by Macmillan Cancer Information Healthcare Professionals and supported by trained volunteers. We offer drop-in and appointment services for advice and support, Citizens Advice advisors (via email/telephone), wig supply and fitting service (via phone/virtual), signposting to other services including complementary therapies and local and national support groups, a wide range of information booklets/ leaflets on all aspects of living with cancer and advice and support once treatment ends.

OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES:

A Macmillan Citizens Advice Caseworker is available for people with cancer and their families. Contact alex.carter@mkcab.org.uk or 01908 545160.

Macmillan HOPE Course (Help Overcome Problems

Effectively) is a 6-week self-management programme designed to increase your ability to cope – covering topics such as fatigue, healthy eating, exercise, fears for the future, mindfulness and goal setting.

The Creative Art Group is an opportunity to get creative, have a coffee and socialise with others at the Cancer Information and Wellbeing Area at SMH on Tuesdays from 2-3:30pm.

Cancer Information and Wellbeing Service, Cancer Care and Haematology Unit (CCHU), Stoke Mandeville Hospital, HP21 8AL 01296 838 340, bht.cancer.inf@nhs.net

We are open Monday to Friday from 9:30am-4pm.

PACE CENTRE’S BIG WALK

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE FAMILY INFORMATION SERVICE SEND LOCAL OFFER

The Buckinghamshire Family Information Service’s Local Offer for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) sets out the support available in Buckinghamshire for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND

You can see the types of support you can get through the SEND Local Offer, including information on getting started with SEND, education, money, health, social care, preparing for adulthood.

You can also use the directory to see local organisations, services and activities that support children and young people with SEND. Head over to familyinfo. buckinghamshire.gov.uk/send/ to take a look.

You can also visit the Facebook page @BucksLocalOffer or search for the ‘Bucks Local Offer and SEND’ Facebook group for the latest support, SEND related news and inclusive activities and things to do.

Have a chat with one of the Information and Outreach Officers who can help with advice on benefits, childcare, educational resources and more.

Call 01296 383293 or email familyinfo@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

This year’s Pace BIG Walk routes will take in the infamous Ridgeway Trail on Saturday 22 April. There is a choice of 18-mile, 12-mile, 6-mile or The Superhero Mile routes. There is something to suit all ages and abilities. This is a great opportunity to set yourself a challenge for 2023 and have some outdoor fun.

By taking part in the BIG Walk, you will not only have the opportunity to explore this beautiful countryside in a completely unique way, but you will also be helping us to provide life changing support to babies, children and young people with neurodisabilities. To sign up visit thepacecentre.org/event/the-big-walk

AYLESBURY BRANCH ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

A big thank you to all of the people of Aylesbury and surrounding areas, including the schools for your efforts in helping us to raise money for the annual RBL Poppy Appeal

Over the two weeks in November, we managed to raise £68,104.80 which will be used to support servicemen and ex-servicemen and their dependants in need. We would like to thank all the local Cadet forces for coming out and collecting during this period, also those adults that volunteered to man our stalls in shopping centres and supermarkets.

Our future branch meetings are held in the Aylesbury Railway Club starting at 7:30pm on the following dates: 22 March, 26 April, 24 May, 28 June, 26 July, 27 September, 25 October and 22 November

We plan to have demonstrations and guest speakers at some of our meetings, for example, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, crime prevention, consumer protection, and the Fire Service. We also have a raffle at all of our meetings and are planning quiz nights and fish and chip nights. All are welcome to come and meet us and see what we are about.

If anyone can spare a few hours in November to help collect money for the Poppy Appeal, please email Cecily Turner (PAO) on cecily.turner@ntlworld.com

COMING IN SPRING 2023!

GET ON YOUR BIKES FOR WHEELPOWER THIS JUNE!

Turn your collective pedal power into vital funds for local charity WheelPower by taking part in the 2023 Bucks Radio Tour de Vale. Buckinghamshire’s biggest charity bike ride will return on Sunday 11 June with three different routes starting and finishing at the famous Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

The Tour de Vale is organised by WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport and in 2023 it will celebrate its 12th year. Since the first ride over £875,000 has been raised by riders, supporting disabled people to be more active and enjoy sport both here in Buckinghamshire and across the United Kingdom.

After a challenging few years, WheelPower is again delivering a full calendar of in person events. This includes the flagship annual events, the Inter Spinal and the National Junior Games, providing recently injured and physically disabled children with the opportunity to try over 15 wheelchair sports. In addition, the charity also delivers one day festivals across the country, has a substantial online exercise programme and supports people of all ages to discover the many health benefits of wheelchair sport.

Find out more about the 2023 Bucks Radio Tour de Vale at tourdevale.com

Are you looking for a unique and exciting way to bring the stars to your next event? Look no further than UK Astronomy’s NEW inflatable planetarium. We are excited to offer this unique educational experience to kids, teens, and adults alike. Our inflatable planetariums are designed to bring the wonders of the night sky to life and provide an immersive learning experience.

This revolutionary service allows you to bring the wonders of the night sky to any event. The inflatable planetarium is a large, self-contained dome that can quickly be set up in any indoor location, making them an ideal choice for schools, libraries, museums, festivals, and more. Inside, a powerful projector displays a stunningly realistic image of the night sky, with stars and constellations that can be seen in vivid detail.

Our Inflatable Planetarium Service is designed for people of all ages and backgrounds. The entire experience is designed to be engaging, entertaining, and educational. We hope that this experience helps to inspire a lifelong fascination with the night sky, allowing people to explore and appreciate the wonders of space from the comfort of their own homes. For further information please visit ukastronomy.org

This work has been supported by funding from Arnold Clarke Community Fund, Buckinghamshire Council Community Boards, Foyle Foundation, Heart of Bucks, MK Community Foundation, Rothschild Foundation and William Harding Charity.

AYLESBURY TOWN COUNCIL

So, this is my final article as the Mayor of Aylesbury, my final opportunity to be able to write to you as Mayor. I still have a couple of months left and plenty of chances to meet with residents and be witness to the fantastic support so many of you offer to your local community. As I have said throughout my time as Mayor, there are so many unsung heroes in this town, and I am so pleased to have scratched the surface this year and meet as many as I have. Your commitment to working with and helping your local communities continues to inspire me and will be what I take with me after the end of my mayoralty.

An example of your commitment to our town has been shown through the outstanding response to the Town Mayor’s 10 Tonne Challenge. When it began, I expected to raise the 10 tonnes and I anticipated the support that Aylesbury Foodbank would find, what I did not expect was the extent to which you have risen to the challenge. In 2022, the Foodbank provided 87,129 meals to residents in Aylesbury. This would not have been possible without your donations of food and money. Every day and every mealtime in homes across the town you have helped a family feed themselves; you have taken care of residents in our town at their most vulnerable moments, you have made a difference that has changed the lives of so many people. You are without a doubt an unsung hero and I want to thank you for all that you have done, are doing, and will continue to do when this challenge comes to its end at the culmination of my mayoralty. The need for donations and support will continue to be required, so if you can, please continue to drop a tin, a packet, a bottle into one of the 54 (and counting) donation stations across the town if you are able to and can afford to do so.

Supporting Emmett’s Genies has been a particular highlight of my year. It has been incredible to be part of a young and small charity which has aims to not only help sick and terminally ill children and their families in Aylesbury with the UK’s first wish village, but for children across the nation too. I hope the charity will be able to use this year as the springboard for growth that it needs to ensure it reaches its eventual aim, but also its short-term goals of providing digital ‘Boredom Buster Packs’ to help keep children busy, entertained, and educated during their most challenging time. I was so pleased to see the response that Emmett’s received from those that attended the Waterside Theatre pantomime and dropped some pennies, pounds, or notes into a bucket as they left. On behalf of Emmett’s Genies, thank you for all you have done this year.

So, this is it, a mayoralty that started with a celebration of a Jubilee of which we are unlikely to ever see again, the sad passing of our longest serving monarch last September and in May we’ll see the Coronation of the King. It would be wrong not to recognise that this has been an extraordinary mayoralty for those key events, but also for the people in our town that I met at the many Jubilee parties that Aylesbury Town Council supported and the residents that I spoke with regarding the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

I am so looking forward to meeting with you again to mark the moment in history when the King is crowned and we get the chance again to celebrate together. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you and for you this year. Thank you for making this year the most memorable moment of my life (other than the birth of my children).

I AM 42 YEARS YOUNG!

Cllr Tim Dixon Aylesbury Town Mayor

“YOU LOOK TOO YOUNG TO BE A MAYOR!” @MayorOfAylesbury

AYLESBURY TOWN COUNCIL GRANTS

Nine-year-old Casey trains with Gregg Oliver at Aylesbury’s Respect Martial Arts Academy. He began training in kickboxing and mixed martial arts in 2019. He started competing in light contact and points fighting in October 2021. Casey trains for two, sometimes three, hours a day in the week and competes or attends squad training days at the weekends. He is extremely passionate and dedicated to the sport he loves.

In 2022, he received a sports grant from Aylesbury Town Council to enable him to compete in the CIMAC Superleague. Across the year he competed in the five competitions within the league to gain points eventually winning the overall category at the final competition of the year in Nottingham to become CIMAC Grand Champion for 2022.

Aylesbury Town Council offers grants for young sportspeople, charities, groups and organisations within the Parish of Aylesbury four times per year. To find out more about the grants we give, email jane.eden@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk, call 01296 425678 or visit bit.ly/AylesburyTownCouncilGrants

It was brilliant to meet so many parents and show them around our indoor and outdoor spaces just before the Christmas holidays at our Advent Open Evening. The Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Tim Dixon, joined in with the festive crafts and games too!

We are so excited about yet another fantastic year of After School Clubs and Holidays Playschemes at the Jonathan Page Play Centre. We’ve got lots to look forward to. As we write this, we’re close to kicking off our February Half Term Playscheme where we have a week full of musical themed games, activities and crafts planned.

Then, we’ve got our Easter Playscheme (3-14 April) for our springtime fortnight of fun! The first week we’ll be celebrating Easter and during the second week we’ll be focusing on a magical Wizard Week by creating our own magic wands and spooky hanging bats.

We welcome children aged four to 13 years to the Play Centre. If you would like to visit us before registering a place for your child(ren), please contact our friendly team at jpplaycentre@ aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01296 336413. You’ll find us at 147 Meadowcroft in Aylesbury.

May Half Term Playscheme (30 May-2 June) is foodthemed. We’ll be cooking up a storm and learning all about different foods. From delicious sweet treat baking to pizza making. With the warmer weather, we can really make the most of our brilliant outdoor space with pedal go-karts and sand pits.

We hope to see you at some point during the year!

ART AND LEISURE

IAN TRACEY ORGAN CONCERT

Following the Covid-19 interruption, the Annual Organ Concert at Aylesbury Methodist Church will resume and take place on Wednesday 3 May at 7:30pm. This event was established in 1987 and has regularly attracted large audiences to hear top-rank organists give virtuoso performances of great captivating music. The church with its fine acoustics houses an outstanding organ with the console prominently positioned on the dais. Together with comfortable seating, excellent sound and video display, the event assures a most enjoyable evening concert.

This year we welcome the distinguished International Recitalist, Ian Tracey, Organist Titulaire of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. One of the most popular and personable of all organ recitalists, this will be his fifth visit to perform at Aylesbury Methodist Church. Ian always presents and performs an appealing programme designed to suit everyone.

Entrance costs £15, or £12 if booked in advance. Students are free. Tickets available from the church office from 10am on weekday mornings during April. Alternatively, phone Derrick Matthews on 01296 488076

AYLESBURY CENTRE NATIONAL TRUST

Centre members have a full programme of talks, walks and day excursions planned for 2023 and a holiday week in Cheshire has been arranged for September. Talks will cover diverse topics such as farming, World War II escapes and food and drink in 19th century Oxford. Five one-day excursions by coach are being arranged and details will be given in the Centre’s newsletters. There will also be selfdrive visits to local places of interest and we hope to arrange occasional coffee mornings later in the year.

Talks and meetings are held at Broughton Junior School, Broughton Avenue, Aylesbury, usually on the third Thursday of the month at 8pm, doors open at 7:30pm, with refreshments provided. Centre members pay a modest entrance fee. Visitors are always welcome and are charged a small supplement.

For more information call 07399 540626 or email aylesburycentrent@gmail.com

DEVELOP YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY AT IMAGEZ

We are excited this year at Imagez Camera Club to offer a programme that includes speakers, competitions and friendly workshops. Imagez is a photographic club that meets weekly on a Tuesday evening from 8:1510:15pm in Weston Turville Village Hall. We welcome everyone from beginners to the more experienced photographers. We pride ourselves on being supportive and helpful, sharing our photographic experiences and knowledge with all. Last year we had an exhibition of our work at Queens Park Arts centre which was very successful. We will be repeating this again this year in May.

Our programme runs from September to the end of May. During the summer months we meet at various local locations fortnightly. If you have an interest in photography and want to meet like-minded people, why not contact us and come along? See information at imagezcameraclub.co.uk You may give us a try for three weeks before joining, on a “try before you buy” basis.

Kathy Chantler Chairman – 07738 112775

Carol Haines Vice Chairman – 07562 329539

JAZZ UPFRONT PRESENTS: THE TRACEY/GALEA LEGACY QUINTET

Ft. Alan Barnes, Mark Armstrong, Arnie Somogyi, Clark Tracey and his good friend Dominic Galea from Malta. Dominic is considered the top jazz pianist on the island of Malta. His late father preceded him in terms of prestige and came to the UK to study with Clark's late father, Stan Tracey and Victor Feldman in the 50s. This line up was recently recorded and appeared at the Maltese International Jazz Festival, playing the music of the illustrious fathers.

Thursday 27 April at St Mary's Church. Doors open at 7:30pm. Event starts 8:15pm. Bar and refreshments available. Tickets on sale from ents24.com and Aylesbury Music Shop or call 07518 306552

©David Gibbs

WHAT’S ON AT DISCOVER BUCKS MUSEUM

If you’re looking for a bit of pampering come along to our Mother’s Day Wellbeing and Cream Tea Event and try some mindfulness followed by a delicious cream tea on 18 March. There’s still time to experience the Your Amazing Brain exhibition which runs until 15 April and as part of this we are holding WINdow on the Brain, a not-to-be-missed circus-themed evening on 1 April where scientists from Oxford University will amaze you with demonstrations and entertainment linked to the brain.

During the Easter holidays join us for Easter Craft Activities in the first week and Your Amazing Brain themed crafts in the second. A new venture for families is our monthly Discover Ducks Pre-school Sessions, which include a story, games, play, craft activity and trail. Next one is on 30 March

Just opened is a new exhibition Blooming Threads displaying 400 years of embroidered flowers from around the world and opening on 29 April is the Bucks Open Art exhibition which will feature a wonderful variety of art created by Bucks artists. Come and vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award. discoverbucksmuseum.org

AYLESBURY MG CLUB

The Aylesbury MG Club was formed and has been meeting since 1986 and currently has around 40 members. Our meetings at the St John’s Social Club in Stone are on the first Tuesday of each month. These meetings are informal and give everyone a chance to discuss technical issues or just put the world to rights.

The purpose of the club is to provide an environment in which actual and potential owners of MG cars can participate together in social events and other activities enhancing the enjoyment of owning and using their cars.

We are affiliated to the MG Car Club, the MG Owners Club and the Octagon Car Club. Whilst many of our members belong to these clubs, it is not a requirement. We are run by an elected committee who organise events throughout the year including road runs, BBQs, annual dinners, Pride of Ownership with prize giving and attending organised classic car events.

Whilst owning an MG car can be about getting oil on your hands, we believe that sharing good times with friends is part of it. We are always looking for new members so if you own an MG or are thinking about it, why not come along and join us. More details about our club and events can be found on our website aylesburymgclub.org.uk

QUEENS PARK ARTS CENTRE OPEN DAY

Queens Park Arts Centre (QPAC) is welcoming visitors for an extra open day this year on Saturday 13 May, 11am-3pm. The event is the perfect opportunity to discover everything that the hub, heart and home of culture and creativity in the town has to offer. All of the venue’s bespoke studio spaces will be open to the public, with artists and tutors demonstrating all manner of arty activities from pottery and painting to woodwork, needlework, and jewellery making. It’s the perfect chance to discover a new hobby!

QPAC’s Limelight Theatre, meanwhile, will play host to a variety of different live performances from groups and classes running at the centre, spanning music, dance, and drama, including an appearance from award-winning storytelling company Unbound.

The centre’s exhibition spaces and gallery shop – presented as part of its Artisan project – will also be open throughout the day, including a chance to see some stunning photography from members of the ImageZ Camera Club, who’ll be hosting their annual showcase at QPAC throughout the month. The event is free to attend. Free parking is available on site and the venue’s coffee bar will be open selling hot and cold refreshments. queensparkarts.com

Aylesbury Town Council Ward Map

WHO DO I TALK TO ABOUT?...

AYLESBURY TOWN COUNCIL

Aylesbury Town Council is the council closest to the residents in the parish of Aylesbury. The Town Council is here to be a voice for the residents by representing their views on issues affecting them. Call 01296 425678 or visit aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

AYLESBURY TOWN COUNCIL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Office of the Mayor and Mayoral engagements

• Management of all allotment sites

• Local Burial Authority - management of Tring Road Cemetery

• Devolved Services including grass cutting of urban highway grass verges

• Support Twinning of Aylesbury with Bourg-en-Bresse

• A programme of events throughout the year such as Parklife, Soapbox Derby, Aylesbury on Sea, Christmas and summer events along with other free events

• Award of grants to local groups and charities

• Free magazine, Aylesbury Town Matters

• Jonathan Page Play Centre

• Aylesbury in Bloom (hanging baskets, planters, floral beds, roundabouts and more)

• Partnership working and engagement with other community stakeholders and Buckinghamshire Council

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

Buckinghamshire Council provides services on a county-wide basis and has a very regulatory remit. Call 0300 131 6000 or visit buckinghamshire.gov.uk

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Collection of Council Tax and business rates

• Waste collection

• Waste disposal and household recycling centres

• Local planning and building regulations

• Public car parks

• Licensing and Environmental Health

• Leisure Services (including Aqua Vale and all parks)

• Award of grants to local groups and charities

• Grass cutting of open spaces and parks

• Grass cutting of rural highways/grass verges

• Upkeep of Aylesbury town areas such as Kingsbury and Market Square

• Roads and pavements

• Education and main libraries

• Social care services

• Trading Standards

• Registrars - births, deaths and marriages

PLANS COMING TOGETHER FOR NEW COMMUNITY SPORTS HUB

January saw Aylesbury Town Council kick off the feasibility study for the planned new Community Sports Hub as we got the year off to a positive start. We have partnered with The Sports Consultancy who are experts in the provision of new sports facilities and we’re very much looking forward to working with them as we aim to deliver this transformational project for the town.

This three-month study is an opportunity to refine the facility mix and start developing site plans, layout and the brief for the development. The aim is to provide a site capable of delivering a new football facility for the town as well as indoor space that can be used for netball, indoor cricket nets and a host of other activities. The kick off meeting saw the team have a walk about the proposed site where we had not only mud but also horizontal rain, leading one member of the group to declare it as “the wettest site visit he’d ever been on”. Many thanks to EKFB for facilitating the visit.

Emmerson Boyce, who backs the scheme had this to say: “I am the current Technical Director of the Barbados FA and the former FA Winning Captain of Wigan in 2013. I am the proud ambassador of the Aylesbury Community Project and I truly believe that a new, captivating sporting facility will inspire the next generation of future stars.”

We look forward to providing progress updates in future issues.

SUCCESS AT AYLESBURY TOWN BOWLS CLUB

2022 saw a full return to bowling at club, county and national level. At a well-attended presentation dinner at the club in November, not only were the club’s champions and runners up applauded, but the achievements of the ladies especially at county level resulting in playing at the National Finals at Leamington Spa acknowledged with heartfelt congratulations. Linda Hewins (left) won the Ladies County 2 woods and progressed for the County to Leamington. The ladies fours of Karen Brazier, Maureen Peacock, Linda Hewins and Jill Mead also made it through to Leamington Spa. Although none of the ladies reached the actual final in their competitions, it is no small feat to be honoured to play at Leamington Spa on the way winning these trophies.

You have seen what can be achieved so why not get in touch via our website aylesburytownbowlsclub.co.uk or via our secretary at atbcsec@gmail.com. Who knows, once you have tried our taster days when we open up this spring, you could achieve this as well.

RESPECT MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

Respect Martial Arts Academy in Aylesbury was started in 2013 by Gregg Oliver. The club caters for all ages from four years to adult. There is a mix of classes which vary each evening between fitness, sparring, traditional katas and syllabus/grading work. Early last year the club competed across the UK at many kickboxing competitions. In May 2022, four children qualified, by placing at the ICO (International Combat Organisation) National Championships, to represent England at the ICO World Championships in Hungary.

Throughout the year, the four youngsters attended many squad training sessions hosted in the UK by the ICO to prepare the children and support them through their journey to the World Championships. This was alongside their daily training at Respect. In October 2022, with the help of the William Harding’s Charity, the four children who qualified flew to Hungary to represent England. They entered a variety of Kata, Points, Light Contact and Ring Continuous divisions. It was a massive adventure for the club and the first time Gregg had taken children out of the country to compete.

Their dedication paid off and the small team of four (age 9, 12, 15, 16) all came home World Champions. They achieved nine gold, three silver and two bronze medals. One child placed 7th overall out of 500 competitors and the others were all within the top 100 competitors. For a first club outing abroad the club couldn’t be prouder of the children and their families for the support. Many more are already planned for this year!

William Harding’s Charity has launched its new website. Visit williamhardingcharity.co.uk to find out how you, your school, sports club, organisation or community project could apply for a grant.

THE AYLESBURY VALE ACADEMY

The Aylesbury Vale Academy is a large, non-selective all-through school thriving at the heart of Berryfields community and educating over 1,800 students. Our unique status means that we educate children from aged 2-18 years. We place significant importance on academic excellence but value, just as highly, the wide range of experiences learners can access. This balance helps to ensure that learners are fully rounded individuals who can make a positive contribution to society.

Our unique status means we can offer an ambitious range of opportunities in and beyond the classroom. Our Student Parliament have made a huge contribution to the local community, some of our students visited Nepal last year developing leadership skills and learning how to be global citizens and we have over 50 clubs running daily.

Two of our learners are the Gadirova twins, Jessica, and Jennifer, who have been with us since Year 7. These students have captured the hearts of the local community with their numerous Olympic, World and European medals. Jessica was also the recipient of the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. We are so lucky to have amazing role models at our school. Get in touch if you would like to know more!

Gavin Gibson, Principal Website theacademy.me

COLLECTING FOOD DONATIONS AT TESCO

I recently volunteered to help the Aylesbury Foodbank to collect donations from shoppers at Tesco on 5 December It was a great experience to be part of a team supporting the people in our community that are in need. Volunteering for the Foodbank is just another way to help out. Giving your time, to me, is just as important as donating items.

It was gratifying to spread awareness of the products that the Aylesbury Foodbank is most in need of like hygiene and baby products. I love the exposure to volunteering opportunities I get as a member of the Aylesbury Youth Town Council. Supporting the Mayor’s chosen charities and promoting the 10 Tonne Challenge is at the heart of Aylesbury Youth Town Council.

The most heart-warming part of helping out at this event was seeing our community’s pure generosity and selflessness. We even recruited a few new volunteers to help the Foodbank pack the boxes of food for families. Our community’s benevolence was overwhelming. The team of volunteers were over the moon with the sheer quantity of donations and it was great to see some of the most needed items in there.

We chatted about young people and some of the pressures impacting our health and wellbeing (especially post-Covid). The Mayor shared pearls of wisdom on the advice he would give his younger self. All in all, food for thought all round as we start planning for 2023.

If you are aged 11-19 years and would like to become a Youth Town Councillor, email benedicta.lasoye@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk for more information.

Freya Jones, Aylesbury Youth Town Councillor

It’s not every day that the Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Tim Dixon, pops along to your meeting… but we’re so glad he did!